American Idol 2024 is in full swing, and viewers will finally get to watch the auditions. While we’re already got spoilers for Season 22 contestants of the show, we’ve got to watch the first Platinum Ticket of the season during the premiere. But, what is the Platinum Ticket for?
The Platinum Ticket was introduced in Season 20 of the show, and it is like an exclusive version of the coveted Golden Ticket, which is the one contestants get after the judges give them a “yes” to go to Hollywood. However, contestants with a Platinum Ticket will have the advantage of advancing directly to the second round in Hollywood.
That means that these contestants can observe their competition, as well as, of course, at least survive another week on the American Idol’s schedule. “They get to rest their voice, strategize, check out the competition and select who they want to duet with,” Katy Perry explained back in 2022, according to The Wrap.
How many contestants get a Platinum Ticket?
Platinum Tickets are scarce, and there are only three for Season 22, per Distractify. “They get a tiny advantage because they’re the cream of the crop,” Perry said in 2022. However, a Platinum Ticket, so far, hasn’t meant that they will be crowned winners.
Season 20’s Platinum Tickets were given out to Hunter Girl, Kenedi Anderson, and Jay. Hunter Girl was runner-up, while Jay was eliminated in the Top 7. Meanwhile, Anderson withdrew from the competition.
On Season 21, Cam Amen, Kaylin Hedges, Elijah McCormick and Tyson Venegas got Platinum Tickets. Only the last two made it into the Top 26, with Venegas being eliminated in the Top 10. Will this season’s Platinum Tickets have better luck?
Who has gotten the Platinum Ticket on Season 22?
During the first episode of Season 22, 28-year-old contestant Odell Bunton was awarded the first one of the season. He sang Sam Cooke’s “Bring It On Home To Me” and impressed judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan.
The second Platinum of the Season went to 21-year-old Abi Carter, who sang a rendition of “What Was I Made For?” by Billie Eilish. “That may be the winner of ‘American Idol,'” Luke Bryan declared after the audition.
